AstroTalentSpace Jobs

Lead Propulsion Engineer Verified today

Voyager Space · Mojave, CA · Propulsion · first seen 2026-10-29
Apply at Voyager Space →

Lead Propulsion Engineer

Voyager Space seeks a Lead Propulsion Engineer to direct and grow the propulsion team developing the company's portfolio of cryogenic propulsion technologies. This critical leadership role requires significant propulsion system design, analysis, and testing experience, with comprehensive background in bi-propellant cryogenic propulsion system development.

Based in Mojave, CA, you will lead the propulsion team and provide technical direction across design, analysis, integration, test, and operations.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the propulsion team in development of new rocket propulsion systems
  • Provide technical direction to propulsion engineers across design, analysis, integration, test, and operations
  • Ensure technical work aligns with company and team best practices across all projects
  • Mentor propulsion engineers on performance, career development, and priorities
  • Work with chief engineering office to align strategic technical plans with business development and support proposal creation
  • Create work scopes, cost estimates, and risk assessments for project management
  • Coordinate with lead engineers of other subsystems to meet project goals
  • Maintain responsibility for all aspects of integrated main engine systems and flight vehicle architectures
  • Design and analyze cryogenic propulsion systems including combustion devices, valves, propellant feed lines, tanks, turbomachinery, and pressurization systems
  • Design and analyze combustion device elements including injectors, combustion chambers, nozzles, gas generators, and cooling channels
  • Create and review propulsion system fluid-thermal models
  • Lead creation and review of hardware drawings for manufacturing
  • Create and review component specifications for vendor interactions and procurement
  • Develop and review manufacturing, assembly, and integration instructions
  • Develop and review test plans, lead technical readiness and safety reviews, and execute component and system tests

Required Qualifications

  • B.S. in Aerospace, Mechanical, or similar engineering discipline
  • 10+ years relevant experience in rocket propulsion system development
  • 5+ years experience with cryogenic systems (Methane and LOX preferred)
  • Demonstrated ability to coordinate a technical team of 3 or more engineers on multi-year propulsion system development and test projects
  • Demonstrated decision-making ability balancing quality, cost, and schedule across projects including non-propulsion subsystems
  • Successful experience in a role requiring people leadership skills
  • Experience in propulsion system design, analysis, manufacture, integration, and test
  • Ability to take ownership of and prioritize tasks for a team supporting multiple projects
  • Effective verbal and written communication, including reports and technical presentations

Preferred Qualifications

  • Knowledge of propulsion system cycles and system-level engine modeling
  • Proficiency in fluid/thermal software for rocket engine development (GFSSP, ROCETS, RTE, RPA) and system-level modeling (Amesim or Thermal Desktop)
  • Experience with CAD (SolidWorks preferred) and lifecycle management tools
  • Experience with Computational Fluid Dynamics (ANSYS Fluent or CFX preferred)
  • Experience leveraging additive manufacturing in engine design
  • Analytical/scientific programming (Python, C/C++, Matlab)
  • Experience with advanced rocket engine designs, especially RDREs
  • Experience with rocket turbopumps
  • Experience in pressure vessel design, fabrication, requirements, and qualification testing

Compensation and Benefits

California pay range: $160,000 to $240,000 USD.

Voyager offers:

  • Flexible Time Off (FTO)
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and families, with significant company premium coverage and many benefits at 100% for employees
  • Flexible, affordable gym memberships with 12,700+ locations nationwide
  • 401(k) retirement plan with 50% company match on contributions up to 8%
  • Company wellness programs supporting physical and mental well-being
  • Additional voluntary benefits and employee support resources

Employment Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations including ITAR and EAR, applicants must be a U.S. Person: a U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3). Applicants must be eligible to obtain required export authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or Commerce.

Voyager is an Equal Opportunity Employer.